Integrated locks with visual indicators for aircraft galley systems

ABSTRACT

Provided are integrated locks, aircraft galley systems using such locks, and aircraft including such galley systems. An integrated lock has a low profile and provides secure locking and visual indication of the lock status to meet various FAA regulations. The visual indication may be provided mechanically (e.g., by moving a two-color indicator between two positions) or electronically (e.g., by triggering a switch connected to a light or an electro-chromic device). Furthermore, a main indicator may be connected to multiple different locks to provide a combined visual indication of the status of all locks. A visual indicator may be disposed on a galley system frame. Each integrated lock may include a handle portion and a locking portion connected to the handle portion and configured to engage the galley system frame when the handle portion is in the locked position and the door is closed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/637,043, entitled “Integrated Locks with Visual Indicators forAircraft Galley Systems” filed on Mar. 3, 2015, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to integrated locks or, morespecifically, to integrated locks having visual indicators for aircraftgalley systems.

BACKGROUND

Aircraft galley systems have various carts and doors that need to besecured in closed positions during operation of aircraft. For example,airline meals are typically stored and served using galley carts thatare rolled up and down passenger aisles but otherwise stored in galleyssystems, for example, under the counters. Similar carts may be used foritems available for sale. Waste carts are used for collecting waste(e.g., food service waste) and other refuse during flights. Furthermore,an aircraft galley may include various cabinets for storing differentitems. While the carts are typically rolled on the floor of the cabinand stored at that level, the cabinets may be positioned at variousheight levels. The current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)regulations require secure locking of various galley carts and cabinetdoors referenced above. Furthermore, the FAA regulations require visualindications of the locked status. Conventional locks used for galleycarts and cabinets are cumbersome to use, heavy, and do not provideadequate visual indication.

SUMMARY

Provided are integrated locks, aircraft galley systems using such locks,and aircraft including such galley systems. An integrated lock has a lowprofile and provides secure locking and visual indication of the lockstatus to meet various FAA regulations. The visual indication may beprovided mechanically (e.g., by moving a two-color indicator between twopositions) or electronically (e.g., by triggering a switch connected toa light or an electro-chromic device). Furthermore, a main indicator maybe connected to multiple different locks to provide a combined visualindication of the status of all locks. A visual indicator may bedisposed on a galley system frame. Each integrated lock may include ahandle portion and a locking portion connected to the handle portion andconfigured to engage the galley system frame when the handle portion isin the locked position and the door is closed.

In some embodiments, an integrated lock for use in a galley system of anaircraft includes a frame, door, handle portion, locking portion, handlecompression device, and visual indicator. Some of these components,e.g., the frame and door, may be also parts of other devices of thegalley system. It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure,the door is used to describe any component that needs to be retained inthe closed position with respect to the frame. As such, the door may bea swinging door, a sliding door, a portion of a cart, and any other likecomponent. The door is movable with respect to the frame between itsopen position and its closed position. It should be also noted that theintegrated lock is effectively operable when the door is in its closedposition. When the door is in its open position, the integrated lock isgenerally not operable as further described below.

The handle portion is movably attached to the door. Specifically, thehandle portion is movable with respect to the door and with respect tothe frame between its locked position and its unlocked position. A usermay operate the handle portion and move it between these two positions.In some embodiments, the integrated lock is a equipped with a device(e.g., a handle compression device as further described below) thatmaintains the handle portion in its locked position unless an externalforce is applied to handle portion during operation of the integratedlock.

The locking portion is attached to the handle portion and is movabletogether with the handle portion with respect to the door and withrespect to the frame. In some embodiments, the locking portion andhandle portion have a monolithic structure and are effectively portionsof the same component. When the handle portion is in the lockedposition, the locking portion engages the frame and prevents the doorfrom moving away from the frame and maintains the door in the closedposition. However, when the handle portion is in the unlocked position,the locking portion is configured to stay clear from frame therebyallowing the door to move away from the frame between the open andclosed positions. It should be noted that the handle portion may need tobe in the unlocked position when the door returns from the open positioninto the closed position. In some embodiments, the shape of the lockingportion is such that when the door returns from the open position intothe closed position, the locking portion and, as a result, the handleportion are automatically pushed into the unlocked position, at leasttemporary. Once the locking portion clears the frame, the lockingportion and the handle portion may be automatically returned into thelocked position by, for example, the handle compression device. Forexample, the locking portion may have a taper on its side surface suchthat its leading surface (when the door returns from the open positioninto the closed position) is narrower than its trailing surface thatlater engages with the frame.

The handle compression device is connected to the handle portion andoutwardly urging the handle portion to the locked position. As such,when no external forces are exerted into the handle portion, e.g., by auser, the handle compression device moves the handle portion to thelocked position. In this position, the locking portion engages to theframe and prevents the door from moving away from the frame. In someembodiments, the handle compression device is compressible therebyallowing the handle portion inwardly advancing from the locked positioninto the unlocked position, e.g., when the external force is applied tothe handle portion by a user. In some embodiments, the handlecompression device is a spring.

The visual indicator is controlled by at least one of the lockingportion or the handle portion. In some embodiments, the visual indicatordirectly interfaces the locking portion when the handle portion is inthe locked position and when the door is closed. The visual indicatormay be supported by the frame. As such, when the door is open, thevisual indicator remains attached to the frame. Furthermore, when thedoor is open, the visual indicator does not interface the lockingportion regardless of the position of the handle portion.

The visual indicator is configured to switch between its locked andunlocked indications. Specifically, the visual indicator has the lockedindication when the handle portion is in the locked position and thedoor is in the closed position. The visual indicator has the unlockedindication when the handle portion is in the unlocked position and thedoor is still in the closed position. Furthermore, the visual indicatormay always have the unlocked indication when the door is in the openposition regardless of the position of the handle portion.

In some embodiments, the visual indicator includes a first side having afirst color and a second side having a second color that is differentfrom the first color. The first color may represent the lockedindication of the visual indicator and may be, for example, green. Thesecond color represents the unlocked indication of the visual indicatorand may be, for example, red. The frame may include a frame opening suchthat the first side of the visual indicator is aligned with the frameopening when the handle portion is in the locked position and the dooris closed. In this situation, the first color is visible to the operatorthrough the frame opening. Furthermore, the second side of the visualindicator is aligned with the frame opening when the handle portion isin the unlocked position and the door is closed. In this situation, thesecond color is visible to the operator through the frame opening. Thesecond side of the visual indicator may be also aligned with the frameopening when the door is open regardless of the position of the handleportion. The visual indicator may be advanced with respect to the frameopening by the locking portion as the handle portion moves between thelocked position and the unlocked position. In some embodiments, thevisual indicator is advanced along the direction substantially normal tothe frame opening.

In some embodiments, the integrated lock also includes a framecompression device disposed between the frame and the visual indicator.The frame compression device urges the visual indicator in the directiontoward the locking portion when the handle portion is in the lockedposition. The locking portion, however, prevents, the visual indicatorto advance in this direction and the first side of the visual indicatormay remained aligned with the frame opening. When the handle portion isin the unlocked position, the frame compression device advances thevisual indicator into a new position such that the second side of thevisual indicator is now aligned with the frame opening. Specifically,wherein the frame compression device keeps the visual indicator suchthat the visual indicator has the unlocked indication when the lockingportion does not contact the visual indicator. A combination of forcesexerted on the visual indicator by the frame compression device and bythe handle compression device is such that the visual indicator has thelocked indication when no external forced applied to the handle portionand when the door is in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the door includes a door opening. The door openingaligns with the frame opening when the door is in the closed position.Alternatively, the door may not extend over the frame opening when thedoor is in the closed position. In either case, the frame opening may bevisible when the door is closed. In some embodiments, the integratedlock does not have any door or frame openings. For example, the lockingindication may be provided by a light triggered by the switch as furtherdescribed below. The light may be position on a portion of the framethat does not get obstructed by the door when the door is closed.

In some embodiments, the visual indicator includes a light and a switch.The switch may contact at least one of the locking portion or the handleportion when the handle portion is in the locked position. The switchturns the light on when the handle portion is in the unlocked positionor moves to the unlocked position and turns the light off when thehandle portion is in the locked position or moves to the lockedposition. In some embodiments, the switch is further connected to a mainindicator receiving input from at least one additional switch of anadditional integrated lock. The main indictor may have the unlockedindication if any one of the integrated lock and the additionalintegrated lock are in the unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the visual indicator includes an indication deviceand a switch. The switch may be actuated by the at least one of thelocking portion or the handle portion when the door is in the closedposition. The switch may generate an electrical power as the handleportion moves between the locked and unlocked positions. For example,the switch may be a piezoelectric switch. In some embodiments, theindication device switches between the locked and unlocked indicationswhen the switch generates the electrical power and maintains one of thelocked unlocked indications when the switch does not generates theelectrical power. The visual indicator may include an antenna forwireless communication with a main indicator and transmitting an RFsignal to the main indicator when the switch is actuated by the at leastone of the locking portion or the handle portion.

Also provided is an aircraft having a galley system equipped with anintegrated lock. Various examples of integrated locks are describedelsewhere in this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described examples of the disclosure in general terms,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like reference charactersdesignate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a galley system havingintegrated locks, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a schematic representation of an integrated lock in a lockedposition with a door in a closed position, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 2B is a schematic representation of the integrated lock of FIG. 2Ain an unlocked position with the door still in the closed position, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a schematic representation of the integrated lock of FIG. 2Ain the unlocked position with the door in an open position, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2D is a schematic representation of the integrated lock of FIG. 2Ain the locked position with the door in the open position, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 2E is a schematic representation of an integrated lock in which adoor does not extend over a frame opening, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an integrated lock assemblyhaving two integrated locks having wired connection to a main indicator,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another integrated lock assemblyhaving two integrated locks wirelessly connected to a main indicator, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an aircraft production and servicemethodology that may utilize one or more integrated locks.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft that may utilize oneor more integrated locks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the presented concepts. Thepresented concepts may be practiced without some or all of thesespecific details. In other instances, well known process operations havenot been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure thedescribed concepts. While some concepts will be described in conjunctionwith the specific examples, it will be understood that these examplesare not intended to be limiting.

INTRODUCTION

Many movable components of aircraft galley systems need to be securedduring operation of aircraft. For example, cabinet doors need to beclosed and locked or, more specifically, retained with respect to theframe of an aircraft galley system when these cabinets are not beingused. Likewise, carts need to be locked to the frame when not in use. Inaddition to securing a door or a cart, a locking device also needs toprovide some visual indication of the locking status (whether the dooris closed and locked or not). These factors coupled with a large numberof different cabinet doors and carts in the same galley system as wellas space and weight requirements associated with aircraft applicationspresent significant design challenges for locks used in galley systemson aircraft.

Some conventional locking systems have visual indicators positioned onmoving components, such as doors or carts. One example is a lavatorydoor on an aircraft. However, these indicators often do not providerequired indications. For example, a door may be slightly ajar with itsvisual indicator still showing the door being locked. For example, whenthe door is opened and the locking mechanism on the door is not incontact with any frame component, the locking mechanism may move backinto the locked position, triggering a corresponding response from thevisual indicator, without actually securing the door. This may lead topotentially dangerous conditions when the door is not properly securedwhile a user gets a false sense of security. Furthermore, visualindicators of many conventional locking systems are hard to see and donot provide central indication when multiple visual indicators arepresent in the same location. As such, even if a proper visualindication is provided, it could be easily missed by a user resulting inpotentially unsafe conditions, such as items falling from a cabinet or afree-rolling cart. Considering movements and vibrations of typicalaircraft as well as tight spaces near galley systems, these unsafeconditions can quickly escalate and cause significant damage and/orinjury.

A brief description of a galley system is provided herein to betterreflect various features of integrated locks. FIG. 1 is schematic viewof galley system 100, in accordance with some embodiments. Galley system100 includes various doors 102 a-102 d and 120 a-120 c and carts 126a-126 d that may utilize integrated locks 125 a-125 e. Other componentsof galley system 100, such as sink 110 and trash compactor 130 may alsoutilize integrated locks for supporting various components, such asremovable sink cover, doors, and the like, even though these integratedlocks are not specifically shown in FIG. 1. Other components, such ascoffee maker 121 and water boiler 123 are shown for reference and maynot include integrated locks.

Carts 126 a-126 d may be stowed under counter 122. Integrated locks 125a and 125 b may be used to securely retain these carts 126 a-126 d intheir stowed positions and to provide visual indication that carts 126a-126 d are secured in their positions and will not roll out from undercounter 122. In some embodiments, additional latching mechanisms 129 maybe used together with integrated locks 125 a and 125 b. Additionallatching mechanisms 129 may be used for particularly heavy items (e.g.,when particularly large forces are expected on integrated locks 125 aand 125 b) in order to provide additional strength. For example, forlight carts (e.g., empty carts, waste carts) integrated locks 125 a and125 b may be used without additional latching mechanisms. As such, onlyintegrated locks 125 a and 125 b may be used for securing theselight-weight carts. However, for heavy carts (e.g., loaded carts)integrated locks 125 a and 125 b may be used together with additionallatching mechanisms 129. These additional latching mechanisms 129 may beconventional latching systems, such as model 3100 available from AdamsRite Aerospace of Fullerton, Calif.

Integrated locks 125 a-125 e have visual indicators. For example,integrated lock 125 a shown above cart 126 a has a locked indication(shown with a black fill). On the other hand, integrated lock 125 bshown above the empty cart space has an unlocked indication (shown as anunfilled square). In a similar manner, integrated lock 125 dcorresponding to closed door 102 a has a locked indication (shown with ablack fill), while integrated lock 125 e corresponding open door 102 dhas an unlocked indication (shown as an unfilled square).

Typically, an integrated lock secured a movable part with respect to astationary part. For purposes of this document, all types of movableparts secured by integrated locks are referred to as doors, while allcorresponding stationary parts are referred to as frames. Furthermore,an integrated lock may be also used to secure two movable parts withrespect to each other, such that when secured the two movable partscannot move with respect to each other.

Examples of Integrated Cabinet Locks

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate integrated lock 200 used to lock door 210relative to frame 220 at various operating states of integrated lock200, in accordance with some embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 2Aillustrates door 210 in its closed position and integrated lock 200 inits locked position. At this state, door 210 is not movable relative toframe 220 and visual indicator 218 shows a locked indication. FIG. 2Billustrates door 210 still being in its closed position while integratedlock 200 being switched to the unlocked position. At this state, door210 is movable relative to frame 220 and visual indicator 218 shows anunlocked indication. FIG. 2C illustrates door 210 in its open positionwhile integrated lock 200 is still to the unlocked position. At thisstate, door 210 is also movable relative to frame 220 and visualindicator 218 shows the unlocked indication. Finally, FIG. 2Dillustrates door 210 in the open position while integrated lock 200moves to the locked position (e.g., after the operator releases handleportion 212). At this state, door 210 is still movable relative to frame220 and visual indicator 218 shows the unlocked indication. It should benoted that the indication of visual indicator 218 corresponds to door210 being able to move relative to frame 220 rather than to the positionof integrated lock 200, which is one distinguishing feature ofintegrated lock 200 relative to many conventional locking systems. Eachstate and corresponding positions of integrated lock 200, ability ofdoor 210 to move relative to frame 220, and indications of visualindicator 218 are summarized in the following table.

TABLE Figure Position of Position of Ability of Door to representingDoor relative Integrated Move relative to Visual state to Frame LockLock Indication FIG. 2A Closed Locked Not movable Locked FIG. 2B ClosedUnlocked Movable Unlocked FIG. 2C Open Unlocked Movable Unlocked FIG. 2DOpen Locked Movable Unlocked

Integrated lock 200 includes handle portion 212 movable with respect toframe 220 and/or with respect to door 210 between its locked positionand unlocked position. The position of handle portion 212 may be alsoreferred to as the position of integrated lock 200 as described aboveand shown in the table. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, handle portion 212is movable along the X direction. This movement of handle portion 212may be in the direction substantially normal to the frame opening 224.Overall, handle portion 212 may be attached to door 210 or, morespecifically, movably attached to door 210. Furthermore, handle portion212 may be pivotably attached to door 210, in some embodiments.

The locked position of handle portion 212 corresponds to its left-mostorientation as, for example, shown in FIG. 2A, while the unlockedposition of handle portion 212 corresponds to its right-most orientationas, for example, shown in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, handle portion212 may contact frame 220 and/or a portion of door 210 when in it is inthe locked position as, for example, shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically,frame 220 and/or the portion of door 210 may be operable as a positivestop. In the same or other embodiments, handle portion 212 may bepressed against fixed support 213 of door 210 when in the unlockedposition as, for example, shown in FIG. 2B. In this example, fixedsupport 213 may be operable as another positive stop.

Integrated lock 200 may also include locking portion 214 attached tohandle portion 212. Locking portion 214 may be movable together withhandle portion 212 with respect to frame 220. In some embodiments,handle portion 212 and locking portion 214 form a monolithic body. Whenhandle portion 212 is in the locked position and when door 210 is in itsclosed position, locking portion 214 engages frame 220 and preventshandle portion 221 and door 210 from moving away from frame 220, atleast along the Y direction as, for example, shown in FIG. 2A. On theother hand, when handle portion 212 is in the unlocked position, lockingportion 214 is configured to stay clear from frame 220 thereby allowinghandle portion 212 and door 210 to move away from frame 220, at leastalong the Y direction as shown, for example, shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C.It should be noted that when door 210 is in the open position, theposition of handle portion 212 is not relevant as locking portion 214cannot engage frame 220 even when handle portion 212 is in the openposition as, for example, shown in FIG. 2D.

In some embodiments, integrated lock 200 also includes handlecompression device 216 connected to handle portion 212. Handlecompression device 216 may outwardly urge handle portion 212 to thelocked position. For example, when handle portion 212 is in the unlockedposition and an operator does not exert any force on handle portion 212,handle compression device 216 moves handle portion 212 into the lockedposition. When handle compression device 216 is present, an operatorneeds to overcome the force exerted by handle compression device 216 onhandle portion 212 in order to advance handle portion 212 into thelocked position as schematically shown by the transition from FIG. 2A toFIG. 2B. As such, handle compression device 216 is compressible therebyallowing handle portion 212 to inwardly advance from the locked positioninto the unlocked position. Some examples of suitable compression device216 include springs, compressible polymers, gas cylinders with pistons,and the like.

In some embodiments, integrated lock 200 also includes visual indicator218 controlled by at least one of locking portion 214 or handle portion212. In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the position of visualindicator 218 is determined by the position of locking portion 214 aslocking portion 214 is operable as an actuator and/or as a positive stopfor visual indicator 218 at least when door 210 is closed. For example,when locking portion 214 is in the locked position, visual indicator 218is pushed to the left as shown in FIG. 2A. On the other hand, whenlocking portion 214 is in the unlocked position, visual indicator 218 isallowed to advance the right as shown in FIG. 2B. It should be notedthat when door 210 is in the open position, locking portion 214 does notdetermine the position of visual indicator 218 as, for example, shown inFIGS. 2C and 2D.

Visual indicator 218 may be supported by frame 220. More specifically,visual indicator 218 may be slidably attached to frame 220 as shown inFIGS. 2A-2D. As such, when door 210 is opened, visual indicator 218remains on frame 220 as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D. In some embodiments,visual indicator 218 may be supported on rails to allow the linearmovement. This linear movement may be in the direction substantiallynormal to frame opening 224 as further described below. Specifically,visual indicator 218 may be advanced with respect to frame opening 224by locking portion 214 as handle portion 212 moves between the lockedposition and the unlocked position

Visual indicator 218 is configured to provide a locked indication and anunlocked indication to a user. Visual indicator 218 is configured toswitch between its locked indication and unlocked indication. The typeof indications may depend on the type of visual indicator 218. As, forexample, shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, visual indicator 218 may be a mechanicaldevice having first side 219 a and second side 219 b such that firstside 219 a has a different color than second side 219 b. Depending onthe position of visual indicator 218, one of first side 219 a or secondside 219 b may be visible to the user while the other wise may behidden. Specifically, the color of first side 219 a (i.e., the firstcolor) represents the locked indication, while the color of second side219 b (i.e., the second color) represents the unlocked indication.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate that visual indicator 218 may be partially hiddenby frame 220 that has frame opening 224 that allows to see one of firstside 219 a or second side 219 b at a time. When door 210 extends overthis portion of frame 220, then door 210 may have door opening 211 thataligns with frame opening 224 when door 210 is in the closed positionas, for example, shown by FIGS. 2A and 2B. Alternatively, a door may notextend over a frame opening when the door is in the closed position as,for example, shown in FIG. 2E. Specifically, FIG. 2E illustrates anexample of integrated lock 250 in which door 252 does not extend overframe opening 254. As such, visual indicator may be observed throughframe opening 254 alone. Briefly referring to FIG. 1, visual indicatorsof integrated locks 125 a, 125 b, 125 d, and 125 e are not blocked bycorresponding doors. On the other hand, visual indicators of integratedlocks 125 c are blocked by doors 120 a-120 c. As such, doors 120 a-120 chave openings for an operator to see the visual indicators of integratedlocks 125 c.

Returning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, when door 210 is in the closed positionand when handle portion 212 is in the locked position, first side 219 aof visual indicator 218 is visible through frame opening 224 and dooropening 211 as, for example, shown in FIG. 2A. However, when door 210 isstill in the closed position but when handle portion 212 is moved in theunlocked position, second side 219 b of visual indicator 218 is visiblethrough frame opening 224 and door opening 211 as, for example, shown inFIG. 2B. When door 210 is opened, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, visualindicator 218 is visible through the frame opening 224. At this state,second side 219 b of visual indicator 218 is always visible regardlessof the position of handle portion 212.

In some embodiments, integrated lock 200 also has frame compressiondevice 226, which may be disposed between frame 220 and visual indicator218 as, for example, shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. Frame compression device 226may be configured to urge visual indicator 218 in the direction towardat least one of locking portion 214 or handle portion 212, at least whenhandle portion 212 is in the locked position. At this state, framecompression device 226 is compressed and first side 219 b of visualindicator 218 is aligned with frame opening 224. When handle portion 212is in the unlocked locked position, frame compression device 226actually moves visual indicator 218 into a new location such that secondside 219 b of visual indicator is now aligned with frame opening 224.

Frame compression device 226 may be a spring, compressible block, gascylinder, and the like. When no external forces is exerted by anoperator on handle portion 212 and when locking portion 214 engagesvisual indicator 218 (e.g., door 210 is in the closed position), framecompression device 226 may remain in the compressed position.Specifically, handle compression device 216 may force locking portion214 into the locked portion. Locking portion 214, in turn, presses onvisual indicator 218, which compresses frame compression device 226.

In some embodiments, a visual indicator includes a light and a switch orsome other electrically actuated device, which will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustratesintegrated lock assembly 300 including two integrated locks 310 a and310 b, in accordance with some embodiments. First integrated lock 310 ahas visual indicator 318 a that includes light 320 a and switch 326 a.In this example, switch 326 a contacts locking portion 314 a when handleportion 312 a is in the locked position. As long as handle portion 312 aremains is in the locked position, switch 326 a does not allow for thecurrent to pass to light 320 a and, as a result, light 320 a is off.This condition of light 320 a may be associated with the lockedindication.

Second integrated lock 310 b of integrated lock assembly 200 also hasvisual indicator 318 b that includes light 320 b and switch 326 b. Theconfiguration of second integrated lock 310 b may be the same to that offirst integrated lock 310 a. However, as shown in FIG. 3, handle portion312 b of second integrated lock 310 b is in the unlocked position inthis example. As such, switch 326 b of second integrated lock 310 b isin the different state. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates switch 326 bextended and not contacting locking portion 314 b. As such, when handleportion 312 b is in the unlocked position, switch 326 b allows thecurrent to pass to light 320 b and, as a result, light 320 b is on. Thiscondition of light 320 b may associate with the unlocked indication. Onehaving ordinary skills in the art would understand how integrated locks310 a and 310 b transition between locked and unlocked positions causingdifferent indications of lights 320 a and 320 b.

Lights 320 a and 320 b may be positioned on respective frames 322 a and322 b. Likewise, switches 326 a and 326 b may be positioned onrespective frames 322 a and 322 b. Light 320 a is at least electricallyconnected to switch 326 a, while light 320 b is electrically connectedto switch 326 b. In some embodiments, light 320 a and switch 326 a maybe integrated into the same housing.

In some embodiments, switch 326 a of first integrated lock 310 a maycontrol main indicator 328 in addition to light 320 a of firstintegrated lock 310 a. Main indicator 328 may not be a part of firstintegrated lock 310 a and, in some embodiments, may be positioned in acentral location in a galley system and away from first integrated lock310 a. For example, main indicator 328 may be positioned in a morevisible position of the galley system than, for example, location offirst integrated lock 310 a. It should be noted that light 320 a offirst integrated lock 310 a is positioned locally, while main indicator328 may be positioned remotely. In a similar manner, switch 326 b ofsecond integrated lock 310 b may control main indicator 328 in additionto light 320 b of first integrated lock 310 b. As such, main indicator328 is controlled by multiple switches or, more generally, by multipleintegrated locks.

In this example, main indicator 328 will provide an unlocked indicationif any one of integrated lock 310 a or integrated lock 310 b has anunlocked indication. In the other words, main indicator 328 main onlyprovide a locked only when both integrated lock 310 a and integratedlock 310 b have locked indications.

Integrated lock assembly 300 provides effective central indication andmonitoring of multiple integrated locks. However, adding wires and powersupplies may be difficult, especially for galley systems that canreconfigured with different types of doors. FIG. 4 illustratesintegrated lock assembly 330 in which main indicator 340 receiveswireless signals from each of integrated locks 332 a and 332 b, inaccordance with some embodiments. Specifically, first integrated lock332 a has visual indicator 338 a that includes indication device 336 a,switch 339 a, and antenna 337 a. First integrated lock 332 a alsoincludes handle portion 334 a that moves between locked and unlockedpositions and trigger switch 339 a. This triggering of switch 339 a iscommunicated using antenna 337 a to main indicator 340, which also hasantenna 341. Second integrated lock 332 b may have a similar design andcomponents. Once the signal is send to main indicator 340, mainindicator 340 may adjust its indication accordingly. The indicationfunction of main indicator 340 may be similar to the one described abovewith reference to FIG. 3. It should be noted that main indicator 340 mayretain its indication until further signal is received from one ofintegrated locks 332 a and 332 b. Each time one of integrated locks 332a and 332 b switches between locked state and unlocked state, acorresponding signal is sent to main indicator 340.

In some embodiments, visual indicator 338 a is not connected to anexternal power source. Instead, visual indicator 338 a may have aninternal power supply. Alternatively, triggering of switch 339 a mayalso cause power generation. This power may be sufficient to send, forexample, an RF signal to main indicator 340 and other functions, such aschanging the indication status of indication device 336 a. For example,switch 339 a may be a piezoelectric switch that can generate someelectrical power as it is activated by handle portion 334 a as it movesbetween the locked position and unlocked position.

In some embodiments, indication device 336 a may switch its indicationstatus by applying an electrical power to indication device 336 a for ashort period of time. The electrical power may not need to be maintainedfor indication device 336 a to remain in one of its indication statuses.For example, indication device 336 a may be a reversible electro-chromicdevice.

Examples of Aircraft Application

Examples of this disclosure may be described in the context of anaircraft manufacturing and service method 1100 as shown in FIG. 5 andaircraft 1102 as shown in FIG. 6. During pre-production, illustrativemethod 1100 may include specification and design 1104 of the aircraft1102 and material procurement 1106. During production, component andsubassembly manufacturing 1108 and system integration 1110 of aircraft1102 take place. Thereafter, aircraft 1102 may go through certificationand delivery 1112 to be placed in service 1114. While in service by acustomer, aircraft 1102 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service1116 (which may also include modification, reconfiguration,refurbishment, and so on). Integrated locks and/or galley systems havingthese locks may be used during component and subassembly manufacturing1108, system integration 1110, certification and deliver 1112, while inservice 1114 and/or during maintenance and service 1116. For example,the integrated locks and/or galley systems may be installed prior todelivery of an aircraft to an airline, by an airline prior to operationof the aircraft, or during retrofitting of the existing aircraft.

Each of the processes of illustrative method 1100 may be performed orcarried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator(e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a systemintegrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraftmanufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party mayinclude, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, andsuppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, militaryentity, service organization, and so on.

As shown in FIG. 6, aircraft 1102 produced may include airframe 1118with a plurality of high-level systems 1120 and interior 1122. Theintegrated locks and/or galley systems may be part of interior 1122.Examples of high-level systems 1120 include one or more of propulsionsystem 1124, electrical system 1126, hydraulic system 1128, andenvironmental system 1130. Any number of other systems may be included.Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles disclosed hereinmay be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.Accordingly, in addition to aircraft 1102, the principles disclosedherein may apply to other vehicles, e.g., land vehicles, marinevehicles, space vehicles, etc.

Apparatus and methods shown or described herein may be employed duringany one or more of the stages of the aircraft manufacturing and servicemethod 1100. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding tocomponent and subassembly manufacturing 1108 may be fabricated ormanufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies producedwhile aircraft 1102 is in service. Also, one or more aspects of theapparatus, method, or combination thereof may be utilized duringoperations 1108 and 1110, for example, by substantially expeditingassembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft 1102. Similarly, one ormore aspects of the apparatus or method realizations, or a combinationthereof, may be utilized, for example and without limitation, whileaircraft 1102 is in service, e.g., maintenance and service 1116.

CONCLUSION

Different examples and aspects of the apparatus and methods aredisclosed herein that include a variety of components, features, andfunctionality. It should be understood that the various examples andaspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein may include any ofthe components, features, and functionality of any of the other examplesand aspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein in anycombination, and all of such possibilities are intended to be within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Many modifications and other examples of the disclosure set forth hereinwill come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the disclosurepertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated lock for use in a galley system ofan aircraft, the integrated lock comprising: a frame; a door, movablewith respect to the frame between an open position and a closedposition; a handle portion, movably attached to the door and movablebetween a locked position and an unlocked position; a locking portionextending from the handle portion and moveable with the handle portionwith respect to the door, wherein the locking portion is operable toengage the frame and prevent the door from moving away from the framethereby maintaining the door in the closed position, when the handleportion is in the locked position, and wherein the locking portion isoperable to stay clear from the frame thereby allowing the door to moveaway from the frame between the open position and the closed position,when the handle portion is in the unlocked position; and a visualindicator controlled by at least one of the locking portion or thehandle portion to alternate between a locked indication and an unlockedindication, wherein the visual indicator comprises an indication deviceand a switch positioned on the frame, wherein when the handle portion isin the locked position, at least one of the locking portion or thehandle portion moves the switch into an engaged position, therebycausing the indication device to have the locked indication, whereinwhen the handle portion is in the unlocked position, the switch is movedinto an extended position, thereby causing the indication device to havethe unlocked indication, and wherein the switch is operable toself-generate an electrical power for operating the visual indicatorwhen the handle portion moves between the locked position and theunlocked position.
 2. The integrated lock of claim 1, wherein theindication device has the locked indication when both the handle portionis in the locked position and the door is in the closed position.
 3. Theintegrated lock of claim 1, wherein the indication device has the lockedindication only when both the handle portion is in the locked positionand the door is in the closed position.
 4. The integrated lock of claim1, wherein the indication device has the unlocked indication at any timewhen the door is in the open position.
 5. The integrated lock of claim1, wherein the indication device has the unlocked indication when thehandle portion is in the locked position and the door is in the openposition.
 6. The integrated lock of claim 1, wherein the indicationdevice has the unlocked indication when either the handle portion is inthe unlocked position or the door is in the open position.
 7. Theintegrated lock of claim 1, wherein the indication device is operable toswitch between the locked indication and the unlocked indication whenthe switch self-generates the electrical power.
 8. The integrated lockof claim 1, wherein the indication device maintains one of the lockedindication and the unlocked indication when the switch does notself-generate the electrical power.
 9. The integrated lock of claim 1,wherein the visual indicator further comprises an antenna for wirelesscommunication with a main indicator and transmitting a wireless signalto the main indicator when the switch self-generates the electricalpower.
 10. The integrated lock of claim 1, further comprising a handlecompression device connected to the handle portion and outwardly urgingthe handle portion to the locked position.
 11. The integrated lock ofclaim 10, wherein the handle compression device is compressible therebyallowing the handle portion to inwardly advance from the locked positionto the unlocked position.
 12. An integrated lock assembly for use in agalley system of an aircraft, the integrated lock assembly comprising: aframe; a first door moveable with respect to the frame between a firstopen position and a first closed position; a second door moveable withrespect to the frame between a second open position and a second closedposition; a first integrated lock comprising: a first handle portion,moveably attached to the first door and moveable between a first lockedposition and a first unlocked position, and a first switch positioned onthe frame, wherein when the first handle portion is in the first lockedposition, the first handle portion is operable to engage the frame andprevent the first door from moving away from the frame therebymaintaining the first door in the first closed position, and the firsthandle portion moves the first switch into a first engaged position,wherein when the first handle portion is in the first unlocked position,the first handle portion is operable to stay clear from the framethereby allowing the first door to move away from the frame between thefirst closed position and the first open position, and the first switchis moved into a first extended position, wherein the first switch isoperable to self-generate an electrical power when the first handleportion moves between the first locked position and the first unlockedposition, wherein the first switch is a piezoelectric switch; a secondintegrated lock comprising: a second handle portion, moveably attachedto the second door and moveable between a second locked position andsecond unlocked position, and a second switch positioned on the frame,wherein when the second handle portion is in the second locked position,the second handle portion is operable to engage the frame and preventthe second door from moving away from the frame thereby maintaining thesecond door in the second closed position, and the second handle portionmoves the second switch into a second engaged position, wherein when thesecond handle portion is in the second unlocked position, the secondhandle portion is operable to stay clear from the frame thereby allowingthe second door to move away from the frame between the second closedposition and the second open position, and the second switch is movedinto a second extended position, wherein the second switch is operableto self-generate an electrical power when the second handle portionmoves between the second locked position and the second unlockedposition, wherein the second switch is a piezoelectric switch; and amain indicator, communicatively coupled to the first switch and to thesecond switch and operable to change between a locked indication and anunlocked indication based on a signal generated by one of the firstswitch and the second switch.
 13. The integrated lock assembly of claim12, wherein the main indicator is wirelessly coupled to the first switchand to the second switch.
 14. The integrated lock assembly of claim 12,wherein the main indicator is coupled to the first switch and to thesecond switch using wires.
 15. The integrated lock assembly of claim 12,wherein the main indicator is operable to have the locked indicationonly when both the first handle portion is in the first locked positionand the second handle portion is in the second locked position.
 16. Theintegrated lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the main indicator isoperable to have the unlocked indication when at least one of the firsthandle portion is in the first unlocked position or the second handleportion is in the second unlocked position.
 17. An aircraft, comprisinga galley system, wherein the galley system of the aircraft comprises anintegrated lock comprising: a frame; a door, movable with respect to theframe between an open position and a closed position; a handle portion,movably attached to the door and movable between a locked position andan unlocked position; a locking portion extending from the handleportion and moveable with the handle portion with respect to the door,wherein the locking portion is operable to engage the frame and preventthe door from moving away from the frame thereby maintaining the door inthe closed position, when the handle portion is in the locked position,and wherein the locking portion is operable to stay clear from the framethereby allowing the door to move away from the frame between the openposition and the closed position, when the handle portion is in theunlocked position; and a visual indicator controlled by at least one ofthe locking portion or the handle portion to alternate between a lockedindication and an unlocked indication, wherein the visual indicatorcomprises an indication device and a switch positioned on the frame,wherein when the handle portion is in the locked position, at least oneof the locking portion or the handle portion moves the switch into anengaged position, thereby causing the indication device to have thelocked indication, wherein when the handle portion is in the unlockedposition, the switch is moved into an extended position, thereby causingthe indication device to have the unlocked indication, and wherein theswitch is operable to self-generate an electrical power for operatingthe visual indicator when the handle portion moves between the lockedposition and the unlocked position.
 18. The integrated lock of claim 1,wherein the switch is a piezoelectric switch.
 19. The integrated lock ofclaim 1, wherein the indication device is a reversible electro-chromicdevice.
 20. The integrated lock assembly of claim 12, wherein the mainindicator comprises a reversible electro-chromic device.